Don’t be afraid of missing opportunities. Behind every failure is an opportunity somebody wishes they had missed.
Lily Tomlin
- Born
- 1939
- Occupations
- stage actor, film actor, television actor
Facts: Wikidata (CC0), as of 2026-07-09
For fast acting relief, try slowing down.
Lily Tomlin
I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific.
Lily Tomlin
I always wondered why somebody doesn’t do something about that. Then I realized I was somebody.
Lily Tomlin
If love is the answer, could you please rephrase the question?
Lily Tomlin
I have always felt that humor was a wonderful vehicle to let us become connected with each other and ourselves… I try to portray the similarities and polarities in men and women, so that we can acknowledge and embrace our collective consciousness.
Lily Tomlin
I have always felt that humor was a wonderful vehicle to let us become connected with each other and ourselves — I try to portray the similarities and polarities in men and women, so that we can acknowledge and embrace our collective consciousness. Variety magazine (2003)
Lily Tomlin
It’s not whether God is on our side or whether we’re doing God’s will, it’s being so narcissistic as to think that God is telling you what to do.
Lily Tomlin
It's not whether God is on our side or whether we're doing God's will, it's being so narcissistic as to think that God is telling you what to do. The Advocate interview, 2005
Lily Tomlin
I worry that the person who thought up Muzak may be thinking up something else.
Lily Tomlin
Reality is a crutch for people who can't cope with drugs.
Lily Tomlin
Reality is the leading cause of stress among those in touch with it.
Lily Tomlin
Truth is, I’ve always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers.
Lily Tomlin
Truth is, I've always been selling out. The difference is that in the past, I looked like I had integrity because there were no buyers. Modern Scream (1975)
Lily Tomlin
When you talk about yourself for 35 years, first of all, it gets repetitious. And then it seems a little bit excessive, at the least.
Lily Tomlin
The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.
Lily Tomlin